The aim of the R&CA’s Digital Business Kit (DBK) is to provide tailored and industry specific information and resources to assist small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and not-for-profit organisations (NfPs) use digital and Internet-enabled platforms to improve their restaurant, café and/or catering businesses.

The kit, includes five video episodes, which help build the restaurant, café and catering industry’s skills and knowledge to effectively engage in the digital economy and gain a competitive advantage by having a successful online presence.

The project also delivers subsequent teaching programs and more updated educative material that provide industry specific ‘how-to’ guides on the use of digital and Internet-enabled platforms to improve business outcomes.

In 2014-2015, the Project Manager of the DBK have provided further insight and promoted the benefits of the program at various industry events, below are two articles in regards to his talks:

EPISODE ONE – BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY

This episode is about the introduction of broadband internet and how technology can help a business to grow and prosper. The episode shows how R&CA member Pancake Parlour in Melbourne uses broadband technology to make profit and run their day to day business operations. At the end of the episode we will explore some of the technologies available nowadays to help businesses in the Restaurant & Catering industry succeed and secure their business.

EPISODE TWO – TELEWORKING

This episode is about how technology can help businesses utilise teleworking to their advantage. The episode shows how R&CA members Garfish and Outback Steakhouse uses technology to enable stakeholders to work remotely as well as providing the environment for customers to telework at their premises.

Telework is the practice of working remotely on a scheduled or regular basis while using ICT to stay connected to the office or business. In the restaurant & catering industry, teleworking will allow and enable restaurant and catering business owners to remotely manage their businesses (In many cases, multiple sites across the nation) whilst not being at their premises, as well as providing their premises to patrons to telework in.

Teleworking forms an important part of the flexible work practices that are reshaping organisational cultures. These work practices are being demanded by employees and offered by employers to bring about a better work-life balance for employees, while at the same time increasing productivity and engagement. Driving this demand are issues around social inclusion, including the increasing incidence of two-income working families, single parent participation in the workforce, employees transitioning to retirement, and the importance of meeting the needs of people disadvantaged by disability, location and/or carer responsibilities.

Social and environmental benefits of telework include helping to reduce urban congestion and pressure on transport infrastructure in our major cities, as well as increasing access to employment for people presently disadvantaged by location, disability, and age and/or carer responsibilities.

EPISODE THREE – INCREASING CUSTOMER SPEND

This episode is about how technology can help businesses increase customer spend. The episode shows how R&CA member Mizuya Japanese Restaurant & Karaoke uses technology to attract and retain customers, you will be amazed at how innovative a business can be in this day and age. At the end of the episode we will explore some of the technologies available nowadays to help businesses in the Restaurant and Catering industry succeed and increase customer spending.

EPISODE FOUR – BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

This episode is about how technology can help businesses work with each other and create efficiency and competitive advantages. The episode shows how R&CA member Sydney Fish Markets uses technology to enhance their relationship and process with their customers, you will see how exciting business to business dealings can get presently and in the future. At the end of the video we will explore some of the technologies available nowadays to help businesses in the Restaurant and Catering industry succeed in working with other businesses.

EPISODE FIVE – VIDEO CONFERENCING

This episode is about how video conferencing technology can help businesses. The episode shows how R&CA member Sferas Group uses video conferencing technology to enable their customers to conduct business at their venue. At the end of the episode we will explore video conferencing technologies available nowadays to help businesses in the Restaurant and Catering industry succeed.